Vehicle Description
For all those Ford guys who wanted something like the Impala SS,
this unusual burgundy 2004 Mercury Marauder is the answer. A big,
rear-wheel-drive sedan with Ford's most potent V8, reasonable
handling, and big brakes, the Marauder was a cool experiment that
will surely find big appreciation in the future.
Contrary to popular belief, not all Marauders were black, and this
Dark Toreador Red Marauder has an upscale look that doesn't need to
scream to be noticed. Based on the infamous Grand Marquis, Ford
designers kept the big sedan's gently rounded profile, which was
surely popular because of its resemblance to police cruisers, not
despite it. A few special tweaks like the front and rear bumpers, a
blacked-out grille, special headlights, and a bare minimum of
chrome trim give the Marauder a unique look that's instantly
identifiable as something beyond your average heavy-duty FoMoCo
cruiser. Dutifully kept as a garage queen and showing just 32,728
original miles, this particular Marauder looks fantastic and it's
hard to believe it's been fifteen years since it was built, because
the paint is glossy and slick and shows virtually zero signs of use
aside from a few small chips on the lower valence, which is to be
expected. The headlights are clear, the bumpers are not cracked,
and the few bits of chrome on the car look like they've been
fastidiously polished from day one. If you want one of these cars,
and they're not too easy to find, there can't be many nicer than
this.
Full-sized luxury was standard equipment, but the Marauder did get
bucket seats and a console to keep with its sporting character. The
charcoal gray leather remains in excellent condition and there's
really nothing like the stretch-out room you get in one of these
cars. The carpets, door panels, headliner, and dash are all in like
new condition, as you'd expect. Marauders came only one way:
loaded, so you get everything from power windows, locks, and seats
(heated up front!), to a powerful climate control system, to cruise
control, and even a set of power-adjustable pedals, which are
extremely trick. White-faced gauges attempt to give the big Merc a
sporting edge and small auxiliary gauges down on the bottom of the
center console have an aftermarket performance look that was surely
intentional. Custom embroidered floor mats are also like new, and
if you're looking for the ultimate road-trip warrior, look no
further than this car with its massive back seat area. There's also
an equally giant trunk that looks completely untouched from new,
including the ultra-rare cargo organizer under the floor.
The Marauder used the Mustang Cobra's 32-valve DOHC 4.6 liter V8
engine linked to a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The
combination was potent, particularly at highway speeds where it's
virtually impossible to pass this car on the roll, I don't care
what you're driving. Special calibrations help with low-end torque
for the heavier Merc, but it still purrs with that precise
mechanical sound that's so delightful in the Cobra and the exhaust
note sounds like ripping silk. Everything is completely stock,
right down to the hose clamps, so no worries about racing or abuse,
and it runs like a new car. Underneath, the suspension was firmed
up for Marauder duty, a disc brake was installed at each corner,
and there's a true dual exhaust system with polished tips just for
extra cool points. With polished 18-inch wheels and giant 245/55/18
BFGoodrich radials, it rides and handles like a brand new car.
With only one owner and low mileage, this is one of the nicest
Marauders we've seen in years. Only 270 Dark Toreador Red Marauders
were built with heated seats, making this one very rare Merc. Call
now!
